Ronnie Speer, 78, of Bedford, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Born June 25, 1947, he was the son of Wilburn Speer and Mary Inez (Morrison) Speer. He married Diane (Case) Speer on April 15, 1968, and she survives.
Ronnie was a 1965 graduate of Clearspring High School and was the owner and operator of Ron Speer Sawmill & Lumber Company from 1979-2020. He was a member of the American Legion, Post #33, as well as a member of the National Hardwood Lumberman Association.
He was a United States Army Veteran and served in the Vietnam War. Ronnie was a Purple Heart recipient and was discharged as Sergeant E-5.
Ronnie was of the Christian faith and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren in all their activities. He was also an avid drag racing fan. He was well respected in our community and a friend to many. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. Ronnie will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Diane (Case) Speer; three sons, Jeff (Jenny) Speer, Jason (Julie) Speer, and Jerod (Alexis) Speer; six grandsons, Zachery, Tristan, Trey, Rex, Jett, and Dash; one granddaughter, Winnie; five great grandchildren, Maddison, Maverick, Kendall, Jamesen, and Paityn; his mother-in-law, Nona Case; one sister, Carolyn Hall; one brother-in-law, Jerry Case; one sister-in-law, Beverly Bailey; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilburn Speer and Mary Inez (Morrison) Speer; three brothers-in-law, Wendell Bailey, Jack Case, and Jerry Hall.
Pallbearers include Zach Speer, Tristan Speer, Trey Speer, Rex Speer, Jett Speer, and Dash Speer. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes, 818 18th Street, Bedford, Indiana, with Larry Daulton officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Leesville, IN, with military rites accorded by the American Legion Gillen, Post #33. Visitation will also be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Ferguson-Lee Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence County Veterans Services.
Memories may be shared, condolences sent, and flowers ordered at www.ThorneFunerals.com. The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes is honored to have been entrusted with the arrangements for Ronnie Speer.
